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Shams Table is a unique format that gathers people from different backgrounds to express and exchange their thoughts on complex issues. Shams Tables are organized by passionate individuals around the world who seek to connect minds and spark change in their own communities. We aim to provide individuals with non-judgmental spaces that encourage personal stories and critical thinking.

We create and encourage dialogue to bring diverse individuals together, and to empower them for the purpose of positive change. We gather groups of friends and strangers around a food table, to discuss a chosen topic. It is designed to allow people to feel comfortable debating important social issues and personal matters without the pressure or judgement. It aims to offer people a sense of community and to allow them to contribute within their society. We believe change can start with a dialogue, and with the rapidly changing world around us, it is important to take a moment to talk. We encourage a safe space lacking judgment, so people can be inspired to share and hear others. It allows others’ beliefs to be a part of your life with a hope for change.

How did shams table start?

Shams Table started from humble beginnings, as something conceived by our founder” Saeed Abu Alhassan” in Nairobi, Kenya. He took this fledgling idea back to Amman in Jordan and nursed it to fruition, starting by hosting Shams Tables in the homes of other people. The format was so successful that the Shams Community space we see today was eventually renovated and opened to become the beautiful, popular and safe environment for discussion you can see now. However, it’s time to take the next big step to bring more people into our fold and family

The Shams Team

We’re a group of dedicated individuals each with at least a decade of experience in social innovation, business development, computer engineering and communications. We’re on the journey together, to explore the potential for positive change in our society and our world.

We are a large and diverse family from around the globe, comprised of workers and volunteers; we are asking you, wherever you come from and wherever you’re going, to join our family, and to help spread the Shams experience to more locations, more communities, and help more people.

About the Crowdfunding Campaign

The money we get will go towards the design and development of the vision that builds Shams Tables from the ground up, in every continent in the world. It will help by training people in the art of hosting dialogue, by offering a global, searchable database of local events, by offering toolkits and discussion boards, and even recipes from different cuisines across different cultures.

This crowdfunding campaign will help us to expand into ten cities around the world, to train 200 local hosts who will organize around 1200 local events by the end of the first year.

Why The Campaign is Important To Us

We’ve all become exhausted by the news of shootings, hate speech, borders, stereotypes, sexism, racism, the list goes on. This campaign represents what we have been doing about it so far and our dream of supporting more people to do it with us. We’re inviting people to the table, bringing people together to get to know each other and strengthening the connections within local communities.

Why is a lack of dialogue an issue that we should care about when wars are waging and people are starving? In short, the ripples of effective dialogue reach far beyond the conversations themselves. Dialogue is an essential piece of community engagement, combating prejudice, and bringing about change. These are problems which require more dialogue:

Ignorance -- Lack of exposure to social issues makes it hard for people to become part of the solution. Rather than sharing ideas and finding common ground, ignorance about different perspectives leads to “othering” people

Connection -- Many individuals do not know how to respectfully discuss social issues with those who have different opinions. Without opportunities to converse openly and think critically, people remain disconnected.

Building walls -- Our social media reinforces our differences. Online and offline, we are surrounded by like-minded people. By staying comfortable in our circles, we never challenge our own thinking, belief systems, or behaviors.

Inaction -- If people cannot gain greater understanding about each other and about complex topics, they cannot take meaningful action

Why Shams Table?

With the right tools and training, We believe that the concept of Shams Table has the potential to spread throughout the world, whereby dialogue is facilitated in homes and public spaces at any time. Imagine a global community of individuals becoming connected, inspired and empowered to create individuals and societal change.

Shams Table is Comprised of Two Parts:

Meaningful Dialogue :

The word ‘dialogue’ comes from a compound Greek verb meaning ‘to converse with’. It is a physical and intellectual activity that asks you to find new ways to question ideas, and to discover new perspectives on various topics. We believe change can start with a dialogue and with the rapidly changing world around us, it is important to take a moment to talk.

Sharing a Meal

Sharing food is an activity that transcends the boundaries of age, gender, race, and religion. Food is important, because it goes beyond societal restrictions. Sharing a meal allows a sense of safety and security, which allows guests to comfortably share their thoughts and challenge their own and others’ thinking.

The Vision

With more Shams Tables happening around the world, we hope to host more meals and more meaningful dialogue. Through this format, we hope to:

Open up spaces for dialogue -- We encourage the hosting of dialogue in existing community spaces where people can exchange ideas and experiences and make good collective decisions in an environment free of judgement.

Promote a culture of tolerance and self-reflection -- We want people to learn about themselves and to experience cultural differences within their community.

Raise awareness about social issues -- Critical thinking and collective learning through dialogue brings about a deeper understanding of social issues.

Inspire individuals to take action -- We encourage people to question their own mindsets and behaviors when it comes to the most pressing issues of the day to bring positive change to their lives and communities.

What We Need

Over the past three years, Shams Table has broken even on the set-up, renovation and overhead costs of running its weekly events. But there are other event formats we want to pioneer, there are talented people we want to bring on board, there is the bigger mission of working with new communities -- none of which can be done on our ticket sales alone. So the funding we secure is crucial to building the future of our work.

And so, we are humbly asking for 25,000 USD.

With $10,000 USD we can hire two exceptional software developers and UX/UI designers to help us build the platform.

With a further $5,000 USD, we can build the training program and expand into two cities.

With an extra $5,000 USD we can expand into six cities in total.

With the full $25,000, we can build the platform, develop a training program, hire operations people and community builders and expand into ten cities within a year.

Other Ways you can Help

If you can’t donate, don’t worry! Just by sharing our vision with friends, families, and other networks, you can spread the positive message and help us all the same. It could be as simple as using the share tools right here on Zoomaal!

Thank you so much for reading all this, and we would be honored if you were to join us in our mission to empower local communities through the power of dialogue and food.

REWARDS!

To thank you for donating, we're delighted to offer a range of different rewards for you, from masterclasses and recipes to wonderful original pieces of Arabic art.

5 days Hike from Dana to Petra

Take part in our hike along the legendary route from Dana to the ancient Nabatean city of Petra. Globally renowned for its beauty, National Geographic even named this hike one of the best in the world.

Selection of Original Artwork

Shams Community has many friends in the cultural and artistic circles of Jordan and the surrounding region. Above and below you can see some of the stunning creations of these artists: portraits and calligraphy, surrealist and conceptual, available as a reward to donors.

For certain donations (see the reward list) you may be able to receive one piece of your choosing in poster or postcard form to be signed, printed, and sent directly to you, courtesy of these incredibly talented artists. Just peruse the link below to see each work of art, so you can make the right decision!

Shams also has a fantastic calligraphist ready and waiting to sketch out your name in a beautiful and unique style.

Shams Tote Bag

Made just for your convenience, we're offering you sturdy Shams themed tote bag to carry all your necessities!

Shams T-Shirt

Wear our symbol and values for the world to see, with our very own branded T-Shirts. Available in a range of printed styles, you can choose how best to express yourself, and show everyone that you're committed to a worthy cause.

Private Shams Event

Take full advantage of the spacious, vibrant, energetic Shams home for an event of your own! This could be anything you like - just bring your friends and equipment and have the time of your life.

Private Shams Table

Sometimes we just need to be given the chance to discuss something close to our hearts, or just to gain a better understanding of it. This is a core part of the Shams mission, and we'd love for you to share it. That's why we're offering the Shams space for a private Shams Table of your own, to be enjoyed exclusively by a group of your choosing, and on whatever topic you'd like.

10 Hours of Arabic

Nothing beats talking to a native speaker to hone your own language skills, so why not take us up on our offer to tutor you for 10 hours of Arabic? You'll be improving your language skills in no time!

learn how to play tabla with Zaid Msaiss

Secrets of Jordan ItineraryIt's hard to know where to go in a new place, not least in a city like Amman and a country like Jordan! That's why the intrepid members of the Shams Community, hardened explorers all, have compiled a list of the best spots, just to be toured by you.

A Trip to Jordan under the SunIf you need a break from work, or wish to see another part of the world, this might just be the opportunity of a lifetime. Fly to Jordan and let Shams take over from there. We'll pick you up from the airport, host and lodge you, and show you all the quintessential sights of Jordan including the unmissable Petra and Wadi Rum!

Refreshed or Entirely New Brand with Studio RaYour brand is the first thing potential clients or customers see, which is what makes it so important in a business context. That is why Shams' esteemed partner Studio Ra is offering to either refresh, or totally redo, your brand and logo. Make sure that the image you or your company presents to the world is the right one.

Become an Official PartnerTo show our everlasting gratitude to the most generous and passionate donors and philanthropists out there, we'd be honoured to make them our official partner. Read the reward description for all the details, but know they include exclusive uses of the Shams space, VIP status when it comes to hosting Shams Tables, and a range of other benefits. Thank you so much!

Shams Community is a nonprofit organization housed in Amman, Jordan. Shams is founded on the premise that every individual has the potential to create change, both for themselves and their society. Shams aims to facilitate such change by connecting, inspiring…

Send a message to Shams Community

Rewards

A big shout-out and thank you post that will go out to our online community of over 10,000 people around the world.

$15 or more

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SHAMS PLAYLIST OF ALTERNATIVE ARABIC MUSIC

477 Available

We've curated a special playlist that features hours upon hours of our favorite underground and independent music artists from around the Arab world.

$15 or more

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IBN BATTUTA: A LIST OF SECRET LOCAL PLACES IN JORDAN

494 Available

Find the spots that tourist guides don't know about! Amman and Jordan are full of hidden gems and cultural oases that normally require local knowledge to get to - but with our guide you can too!

$17 or more

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COFFEE FOR TWO AT DALI

5 Available

Visit our friends at Dali and enjoy a complimentary coffee for you and a friend. Blessed with a beautiful outdoor area in Jabal Weibdeh, there's no better place to escape the bustle of central Amman.

$20 or more

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CARRY SHAMS AROUND WITH YOU

487 Available

Take a piece of Shams around with you wherever you go with a spacious and sturdy Shams tote bag, featuring our 'Shams' (sun) logo and value statement.

$25 or more

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SPEAK LIKE A LOCAL

199 Available

They say the only way to really understand a language is to go to where it's spoken. This may be true, but we can offer the next best thing!This may be true, but with our list of more than 100 common Arabic phrases and their it's interpretation will make you speak arabic as local.

$25 or more

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(JUST ONE) ARABIAN NIGHT

50 Available

Come and join other donors at one of our special Arabic nights at Shams! Enjoy an evening of Arabic music, mezzes of hummus, baba ganoush and tabouli, and all things Middle Eastern in this authentic themed event.

$25 or more

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JOIN THE SHAMS FAMILY

494 Available

Become one of the FIRST people to gain access to Shams’ new online platform to see events and join discussions happening in locations around the world.

$25 or more

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WEAR SHAMS ON YOUR SLEEVE

293 Available

Wear a Shams T-shirt with pride, and display our shared values for the world to see! With a range of available prints, or simply with the Shams logo, you can show off your passion for community and style!

$25 or more

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BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

298 Available

Arabic poetry has a long and noble history, and continues to flourish today. With our special anthology you can read some of the finest historic and contemporary poems in the original Arabic or in English translation, which will be side-by-side for those interested in learning for themselves!

$25 or more

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EXTREME STRESS RELIEF: AXE RAGE ROOM

9 Available

Work too much? Life too stressful? Then take full advantage of our friends' service at AXE Rage Rooms. Boasting the most advanced rage room technology in the world, there's truly no better place to vent your frustration and channel that stress into something not only helpful, but devilishly enjoyable.

$30 or more

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3 POSTCARDS

497 Available

Choose 3 postcards from a selection of artwork created by artists in the Shams Community.

$30 or more

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SHAMS KITCHEN RECIPES

189 Available

Try your hand at Shams Kitchen’s very own tried and tested collection of recipes. We've cooked dishes from all around the world, including the very best of vegan and vegetarian cuisine. Have it sent to you anywhere in the world as a PDF which you can pull up on your phone, tablet or computer, on the go, to get cooking anywhere!

$35 or more

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BEAUTY IN A NAME : PERSONALIZED AND CALLIGRAPHED ARABIC NAME

94 Available

Have our calligraphist create a piece of beautifully crafted art out of your name! We can paint it onto the walls of the Shams House, or you can receive a digital copy by email to be printed whenever and wherever you like.

$45 or more

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SHAMS COOKING CLASS

98 Available

Embark on the journey towards mastery of Arabic cuisine, with a four hour cooking lesson at Shams Kitchen. Whether it be minor mezzes or the mighty mansaf, you'll be the envy of your friends in no time. We'll throw in our recipe book for free with this experience too!

$50 or more

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PRIVATE DINNER WITH THE SHAMS TEAM

3 Available

Join us, sit back, and enjoy a freshly cooked meal and an evening with our team. Get to know the dedicated people behind the project!

$50 or more

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ORIGINAL PRINTS ARTWORK

192 Available

Choose from a selection of digitally created pieces of original art made by shams Community's artists Friends. These will be signed, printed and sent to you.

$50 or more

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FEEL THE BEAT OF THE DRUM

2 Available

Experience the sound of the Middle East with a private Tabla class from Zaid Msaiss, one of the band members of El Morabba3. Link to their YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe9TAXjLazRiuRSJrFO_FJw

$60 or more

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LA CUCINA DELL'AMORE

5 Available

Enjoy a private dinner cooked especially for you and a loved one. It can be a romantic gesture (and what better way to say "I love you" than through a gift that goes to a good cause?!), or it can be a gesture of celebration or friendship. A chance to come together, eat together and feel grateful for love.

$70 or more

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BECOME A QUALIFIED SHAMS HOST

49 Available

Join our team of qualified hosts from around the world to set up and run your own Shams Table. Become part of our international movement to see Shams spread around the world! Receive your own training, Shams toolkit and access to our platform, and see Shams arrive in your country or city.

$75 or more

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ORIGINAL PRINTS ARTWORK (X2)

97 Available

The first of our discounts, we're offering you 2 signed prints for this price.

$100 or more

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ORIGINAL DIGITAL ARTWORK (3X)

97 Available

We thank you for your support, and would like to offer you no less than 3 signed prints of artwork by our artists!

$100 or more

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ARABIC MASTERCLASS: 10 HOURS OF TUTELAGE

9 Available

Nothing beats learning a language with native speakers, and that's why we're offering you 10 hours of online practice with Jordanians from the Shams Community. Enjoy an unparalleled opportunity to engage in live speech and learn the Arabic language more effectively than from even the best textbooks.

$250 or more

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HOST PRIVATE EVENT AT SHAMS TABLE

2 Available

The Shams Community building is a beautiful space with an authentic Arabic feel, decorated with souvenirs from around the globe. We're offering you this space to host your own private event. Whether it's a photoshoot, networking party or a workshop, we're giving you free reign to enjoy yourself and make the most of being such a generous donor!

$500 or more

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QUEST TO NABATEA: 5 DAYS HIKE FROM DANA TO PETRA

4 Available

Experience the rich and beautiful landscapes of Jordan on a four day hike with Shams founder and hiking enthusiast, Saeed Abu Alhassan. Considered to be one of the best hikes in the world by the National Geographic, culminating with an inclusive hike around Petra itself, this is an experience not to be missed! https://on.natgeo.com/2G3MXsy

$500 or more

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PRIVATE SHAMS TABLE

3 Available

A great way to say hello, to say thank you, to say congratulations, or to say goodbye, use our beautiful space in Jabal Amman to host your own private Shams Table for up to 20 people, for a meaningful dinner and dialogue with your friends. This is the perfect way to spend the evening and explore the depth and details of a subject close to your heart.

$800 or more

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VISUAL IDENTITY REFRESH

2 Available

You already have a logo and visual identity, but you have started to wonder whether this tells the story you want it to, or if your brand could be stronger somehow. Our values partners on this project, Studio Ra, will work with you to refresh your logo and visual identity in a way that creates brand resonance and recognizability. We'll apply the brand across 3 key assets and send you the files digitally. https://www.instagram.com/studio.raaa/

$1000 or more

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TABULA RASA: A COMPLETELY NEW BRAND

2 Available

Sometimes our image needs a complete overhaul. Studio Ra will pull out all the stops for you in a professional rebranding campaign for you and your business. Just tell us exactly what you want, and you will have a new logo and business identity tailored right down to your most detailed specifications. Your brand will resonate with strength and recognizability. We'll apply this across 3 key assets and send you the files digitally. https://www.instagram.com/studio.raaa/

$1250 or more

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A LOCAL ADVENTURE UNDER THE SUN IN JORDAN

3 Available

After all that support you deserve a holiday. Come with a loved one or a friend to Jordan, and from the moment you land, we will give you a comfortable, cozy and homely place to stay in the heart of Jordan's capital. We'll pick you up from the airport, house and feed you for one week and show you around Amman, attending all of our events, and give you the trip of a lifetime. There's nowhere better to experience the food, culture and local communities of Amman. In addition to this, we'll take you on a tour to both of Jordan's heartstones: Petra and Wadi Rum.

$2000 or more

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OFFICIAL PARTNER

3 Available

We're humbled by your passion and generosity towards the Shams cause. In return, we'd be privileged to offer you the exclusive status of a Shams sponsor, something which would be immortalised on our website. As part of this honour we will aid you in promoting and setting up 2 Shams Tables on topics of your choosing. You will also be able to use the Shams space for training & development, meetings & workshops, up to five times throughout the year. We would also be more than happy to promote you across all of our social media channels every month, pushing your work, vision, and calls to action. In all, we can reach almost 15,000 people internationally. And, finally, we would feature you and your work in our quarterly newsletters which go out to 2000 engaged individuals. Again, thank you.

$3000 or more

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SHAMS INVESTOR

2 Available

If you’ve made it this far, to the very top of the rewards list, you can be proud of the fact that you’ve become an official investor in Shams and our mission. With an incredible $3000 donation, you’ve more than earnt a share in our social enterprise, and access to the host of benefits being a true facilitator of the Shams vision can bring you. Welcome to the family!